Vietnam

How to get from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Compare all transport options: bus, ferry, train, flight. Prices, durations and tips from a local expert.

FASTEST
1h 30min
💶
From
18€
📍
Distance
1138 km
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There are 3 way(s) to get from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.

🚌 Departure from Hanoi
📍For long-distance buses, the main hub is My Dinh Bus Station, located west of the city center. For trains, Hanoi Railway Station (Ga Hà Nội) is centrally located. For flights, Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is the main departure point, situated north of the city.
🚇From Hanoi city center: My Dinh Bus Station is reachable by taxi (approx. 30-45 min, 100,000-150,000 VND) or public bus. Hanoi Railway Station is easily accessible by foot, taxi, or Grab from most central areas. Noi Bai Airport is 45 min-1h by taxi/Grab (250,000-350,000 VND) or via express buses (approx. 50,000 VND).
Buses to Ho Chi Minh City primarily depart in the evening (daily service). The Reunification Express train offers several daily departures (SE1, SE3, SE5, SE7) throughout the day. Flights are very frequent, with numerous daily departures from dawn to evening.
💸 Transport from 18€ per person
Fastest: 1h 30min
Recommended: Reunification Express — 32€
🗓 Book now Secure payment · via 12go.asia

🛣️ The journey experience

Traveling from __Hanoi__ to __Ho Chi Minh City__ is an adventure in itself, and choosing the right mode of transport can transform your experience in __Vietnam__. Whether you opt for train, bus, or plane, each option offers a unique glimpse into the country. For the train, the famous Reunification Express (around 32€, 14h) is an iconic experience. You'll traverse varied landscapes, from lush rice paddies to picturesque coasts, from your comfortable sleeper berth.

It's an opportunity to meet other travelers and feel the slow, authentic rhythm of __Vietnam__. Trains are known for their punctuality and safety. Overnight buses (around 18€, 18h) are an economical and practical option, allowing you to travel while you sleep and save on a night's accommodation. Reliable companies like Futa Bus (Phuong Trang) or Mai Linh offer modern sleeper buses with air conditioning and clear departure points, typically in central __Hanoi__ (like My Dinh or Giap Bat bus stations) and arriving in District 10 or Binh Thanh in __Ho Chi Minh City__.

Flying (around 80€, 2h) is the fastest option, ideal if your time is limited. Domestic flights with __Vietnam__ Airlines, Vietjet Air, or Bamboo Airways are frequent, departing from Noi Bai Airport (HAN) in __Hanoi__ and arriving at Tan Son Nhat (SGN) in __Ho Chi Minh City__. With this clear and reliable information, you can plan your trip stress-free, choosing the option that best suits your budget and your desire for exploration. You now know what to expect, the real prices, and how to book with confidence.

Frequently asked questions — Hanoi → Ho Chi Minh City

✨ Why visit Ho Chi Minh City?

  • Visit the Reunification Palace and its secret underground tunnels
  • Explore the War Remnants Museum for a poignant historical immersion
  • Wander through Cholon (Chinatown) and its bustling Binh Tay market
  • Savor local street food: Phở, Bánh Mì, and iced condensed milk coffee
  • Navigate the Mekong Delta and discover the Cu Chi Tunnels for a unique experience
🌙
Recommended stay
3 to 4 nights — Allows exploring major sites and experiencing the city's vibrant atmosphere.

☀️ When to visit Ho Chi Minh City?

TROPICAL HUMID CLIMATE

December to April — Dry and sunny season, pleasant temperatures, ideal for exploring without rain.

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In Ho Chi Minh City — Plan your stay
Accommodation, activities and tips selected for you
🏨 Accommodation
Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City
Compare the best rates available
via trip.com

What to do in Ho Chi Minh City?

Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you

INCONTOURNABLE
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Cu Chi Tunnels — underground network
75 km of hand-dug tunnels from the Vietnam War — guided tour with the option to crawl through the passages. 40 km from Saigon, reachable in half a day. The most striking experience in the region for understanding Vietnamese resilience.
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Reunification Palace
The site where the Vietnam War officially ended on 30 April 1975. The palace has remained untouched since: period furniture, underground war room and rooftop helipad. A one-of-a-kind time capsule in the heart of the city.
🏮
Ben Thanh Market — food & shopping
Saigon's icon since 1914. The daytime market overflows with textiles, souvenirs and spices. But it's at night that it really comes alive: outdoor food stalls, grilled meats and seafood at affordable prices surround the building. The best place to try banh mi, bun bo hue and com tam.
🍜
District 1 — night street food
Bùi Viện and Nguyễn Huệ streets ignite after dark. Pho, bun bo Hue, banh xeo (crispy pancake) and fresh sugar cane juice: a feast for under €5. Nguyễn Huệ is pedestrianised on weekends — guaranteed atmosphere until 2am.
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War Remnants Museum
Vietnam's most visited museum, and its most moving. Documentary photos, US military equipment, testimonies — an experience that stays with you. Allow 2-3 hours. Morning visit recommended to avoid tour groups.
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Jade Emperor Pagoda
Saigon's most atmospheric Taoist pagoda, built in 1909. Omnipresent incense, red-lacquered deity statues and sacred turtles in the inner pond. Off the tourist trail yet 15 minutes' walk from the centre.
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Rooftop at sunset
Saigon has several accessible rooftops: Level 23 at the Sheraton, the Social Club Rooftop and Chill Skybar (Bitexco Tower) all offer panoramic views over the megacity. Happy hour from 5pm to 7pm for budget-conscious travellers — cocktails from €5-10.
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Mekong Delta — boat excursion
2 hours from Saigon, the Mekong Delta is a network of channels and lush islands. By boat, you drift past floating markets, coconut palm orchards and coconut candy workshops. Day trip from €25 — among the most beautiful in Vietnam.

⏱️ How long to visit Ho Chi Minh City?

3 to 6 days

For an independent traveler, 3 to 4 days are enough to explore Ho Chi Minh City's must-sees. This allows you to visit historical sites, markets, and taste local cuisine without rushing. Add 1-2 days for an excursion to Củ Chi tunnels or the Mekong Delta.

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